Portable privacy system

ABSTRACT

A system for providing a temporary private location that can be attached to a vehicle to provide a structure for the location.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The exemplary embodiments of a portable privacy system relate generally to a privacy shield capable of creating a temporary private location.

BACKGROUND

Privacy and dignity issues are frequently encountered by people with disabilities who, currently, are typically not accommodated by public restrooms or other public facilities.

SUMMARY

A temporary private location can be created with a portable privacy system including a privacy shield. The privacy shield can create a temporary private location that addresses many of the privacy and dignity issues frequently encountered by people with disabilities. Many parents and caregivers for persons with disabilities who require diapering are forced to change their loved one in a vehicle or on a filthy public restroom floor. The privacy shield is designed to provide much needed privacy for changing a loved one in a vehicle. Secondarily, this product can permit greater privacy for any individual who needs to change clothing in a vehicle (for example, changing a child in or out of a swim suit at the beach or an athlete in or out of uniform at a practice or game). Third, this product can provide the above-mentioned people some protection against the prying eyes of voyeurs and predators.

In one aspect, a portable privacy system can include a privacy shield having a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge and a second side edge.

In another aspect, a method of forming a temporary private location can include deploying a privacy shield having a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge and a second side edge on a top support to form the temporary private location.

In certain circumstances, the top edge can have a length of approximately a sum of two sides and an end of a top support. The bottom edge can have a length of approximately a sum of two sides and an end of a top support. The first side edge can have a length of about a height from the top support to a ground plane. The second side edge can have a length of about the height from the top support to the ground plane.

In certain circumstances, the top support can be a rear hatch of a vehicle. The rear hatch can form a top to the temporary private location.

In certain circumstances, the top edge can have a length of approximately the sum of a length between two top supports and twice a height from a top support to a ground plane; and the first side edge can include a first portion having a length of one of the two top supports. The first side edge can include a second portion having a length that is the height from the top support to a ground plane. The second portion can be a side of a flap having a width of approximately the length between two top supports.

In certain circumstance, the top support can be a top of a rear French door of a vehicle.

In certain circumstances, the vehicle can be a van, minivan, or an SUV of any size.

In certain circumstances, the top edge can include a plurality of attachment points configured to temporarily secure the privacy shield to the top support.

In certain circumstances, each of the first side edge and the second side edge can include a plurality of attachment points configured to temporarily secure the privacy shield to a side support for the top support.

In certain circumstances, the plurality of attachment points can include permanent magnets, snaps, hook and loop, or hook and eye fasteners.

In certain circumstances, the top support can be a rear hatch of a vehicle and the support can be a side of the vehicle.

In certain circumstances, the bottom edge can include a plurality of weighted regions.

In certain circumstances, the length of the top edge can be between 80 inches and 180 inches, between 90 inches and 160 inches, or between 100 inches and 140 inches.

In certain circumstances, the height from the top support to the ground plane can be between 50 inches and 120 inches, between 60 inches and 100 inches, or between 70 inches and 90 inches.

In certain circumstances, each of the top edge and the bottom edge can be between about 80 inches and 180 inches, between 90 inches and 160 inches, between 100 inches and 140 inches, or 136 inches and 300 inches. Each of the first side edge and the second side edge can be 50 inches and 120 inches, between 65 inches and 150 inches, between 60 inches and 100 inches, or between 70 inches and 90 inches.

In certain circumstances, the privacy shield can be a fabric or plastic sheet and may include screen material to facilitate airflow while maintaining privacy.

In certain circumstances, the privacy shield can include a reflective tape, which can improve visibility and safety when in use.

In certain circumstances, the privacy shield can include triangular accordion panels.

In certain circumstances, the method can include removing the privacy shield from the three sides of the top support. For example, magnets or other fasteners can be detached to release the privacy shield.

In certain circumstances, the method can include temporarily securing the privacy shield to a side support for the top support. For example, the side support can be a side panel of a vehicle.

Other aspects, embodiments, and features will be apparent from the following description, the drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a drawing depicting an embodiment of a structure for a temporary private location.

FIG. 1B is a drawing depicting another embodiment of a structure for a temporary private location.

FIG. 2 is a drawing depicting a deployed privacy shield creating a temporary private location.

FIG. 3 is a drawing depicting an embodiment of a privacy shield.

FIG. 4 is a drawing depicting an embodiment of a privacy shield.

FIG. 5 is a drawing depicting an embodiment of a privacy shield.

FIG. 6 is a drawing depicting another embodiment of a privacy shield.

FIG. 7 is a drawing depicting another embodiment of a privacy shield.

FIG. 8 is a drawing depicting another embodiment of a privacy shield

FIG. 9 is a drawing depicting another embodiment of a privacy shield.

FIG. 10 is a photograph depicting a temporary private location with the deployed privacy shield.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, a portable privacy system includes a privacy shield. This product is a cover or curtain that hangs off of the back of a tailgate for an SUV, mini-SUV, van, mini-van or other vehicle and can provide a sheltered space in which to accomplish diaper or clothing changes in relative privacy. The privacy can be enhanced when used in combination with other, already-available automotive products such as window shades or tinting in vehicles. For example, the privacy shield can hang by magnets in three connected sections from the top of the tailgate. The privacy shield can attach by magnets down the sides of the back of the vehicle creating temporary private location, in essence, a little room, in which the tail gate is the roof, three walls are the privacy shield, and the fourth “wall” is the back of the vehicle.

The portable privacy system is small, cheap, and incredibly simple. The privacy screen can be put up in less than two minutes (probably less than one) and taken down in the amount of same time. The privacy shield can be folded up to a relatively small size, so it will not take significant room in the vehicle to store. The simplicity of the privacy shield lends itself both to the ease of use and low cost of manufacturing. The privacy shield can also be adapted for different vehicles or different climates or situations.

By making use of the vehicle, the area of privacy created by the curtain has access to some level of lighting and also temperature control derived from the vehicle, which is enhanced by enclosing in the area.

The portable privacy system creates a situation where an individual can take care of diapering or clothing changing needs without feeling utterly exposed and on display. While there are camping products that create some privacy associated with a vehicle, they are by design meant for longer-term occupancy and are thus more expensive, trickier to put up, and less compact.

Referring to FIG. 1A, a base 10 (for example, a vehicle with a rear hatch) and include body 20 (for example, the chassis of the vehicle) and a top support 30. The top support 30 can open vertically from rear opening 40 to create the top support for use with the portable privacy system. The top support can have two sides, each with length X, and an end opposite the body 20 with length Y. Length X can be 30 inches, 32 inches, 34 inches, 36 inches, 38 inches, 40 inches, 42 inches, 44 inches, 46 inches, 48 inches, 50 inches, or 52 inches. Length Y can be 36 inches, 38 inches, 40 inches, 42 inches, 44 inches, 46 inches, 48 inches, 50 inches, 52 inches, 54 inches, 56 inches, 58 inches, or 60 inches. Ground plane 50, on which base 10 stands, is a distance Z from a top of body 20 or from the top support. The distance Z can be 50 inches, 55 inches, 60 inches, 65 inches, 70 inches, 75 inches, 80 inches, 85 inches, 90 inches, 95 inches, 100 inches, 105 inches, 110 inches, 115 inches or 120 inches. In certain circumstances, the top support can be a rear hatch of a vehicle. In certain circumstances, the vehicle can be a van, minivan, or an SUV.

Referring to FIG. 1B, a base 10 (for example, a vehicle with a rear hatch) and include body 20 (for example, the chassis of the vehicle) and a top support 30. The top supports 30 can open horizontally from rear opening 40 to create the top supports for use with the portable privacy system. The top supports can be the top of doors, each with length Xʹ, that create rear opening 40 in body 20 with length Y. Each length Xʹ, independently, can be 15 inches, 16 inches, 17 inches, 18 inches, 19 inches, 20 inches, 21 inches, 22 inches, 23 inches, 24 inches, 25 inches, or 26 inches. Length Y can be 36 inches, 38 inches, 40 inches, 42 inches, 44 inches, 46 inches, 48 inches, 50 inches, 52 inches, 54 inches, 56 inches, 58 inches, or 60 inches. Ground plane 50, on which base 10 stands, is a distance Z from a top of body 20 or from the top support. The distance Z can be 50 inches, 55 inches, 60 inches, 65 inches, 70 inches, 75 inches, 80 inches, 85 inches, 90 inches, 95 inches, 100 inches, 105 inches, 110 inches, 115 inches or 120 inches. In certain circumstances, the top support can be a rear hatch of a vehicle. In certain circumstances, the vehicle can be a van, minivan, or an SUV.

Referring to FIG. 2 , base 10, body 20, top 35 having sides with length X and end with length Y for a foundation for a temporary private location in which rear opening 40 (not shown) forms one side of the location. A privacy shield 100 can include a bottom edge 80, a top edge 70, and a side edges 90 (only one shown). Top edge 70 removably attaches to three edges of top 35, for example, two sides and an end of top 35. Top edge 70 can overlap onto a surface of top support 30 by 1 inch, 2 inches, 3 inches, 4 inches, 5 inches or 6 inches. The overlap is sufficient to temporarily secure privacy shield 100 to top 35, for example, top support 30 from FIG. 1A or top supports 30 from FIG. 1B. Side edges 90 removably attach to edges of body 20, which serves as side support for the top support. Each side edge 90 can overlap onto a surface of the edge of body 20 by 1 inch, 2 inches, 3 inches, 4 inches, 5 inches or 6 inches. The overlap is sufficient to temporarily secure privacy shield 100 to body 20. Bottom edge 80 is adjacent to ground plane 50. The distance between bottom edge 80 and ground plane 50 can be 0 inches, 1 inch, 2 inches, 3 inches, 4 inches, 5 inches, 6 inches, 7 inches, 8 inches, 9 inches, 10 inches, 11 inches, or 12 inches. This distance can impact the degree of privacy provided by the privacy shield when in use.

The dimensions of the privacy shield are configured to provide the temporary private location in conjunction with the top support (for example, a vehicle hatch). Referring to FIG. 3 , one embodiment of a privacy shield 100 can include top edge 70 having a length of about 2 times length X, plus the length Y. Exemplary dimensions for X and Y are given above. The length of the top edge can exceed the length of about 2 times length X, plus the length Y by 2 inches, 3 inches, 4 inches, 5 inches, 6 inches, 7 inches, 8 inches, 9 inches, 10 inches, 11 inches or 12 inches. The exceeded length can permit the attachment of the privacy shield to the body 20. Top edge 70 can have the same size, or substantially similar size to bottom edge 80. Side edges 90 can have a length of up to Z, as the dimension of Z is described above. Side edges 90 can exceed Z by 2 inches, 3 inches, 4 inches, 5 inches, 6 inches, 7 inches, 8 inches, 9 inches, 10 inches, 11 inches or 12 inches. The exceeded length can permit the attachment of the privacy shield to top support 30. In certain circumstances, the dimension Z is selected so that bottom edge 80 just touches the ground plane described above. In other circumstances, side edges 90 can be less than Z by 2 inches, 3 inches, 4 inches, 5 inches, 6 inches, 7 inches, 8 inches, 9 inches, 10 inches, 11 inches or 12 inches. In this configuration, bottom edge 80 does not reach the ground plane described above. In other words, the top edge can have a length of about a length of approximately a sum of two sides and an end of a top support, the bottom edge can have a length of about a length of approximately a sum of two sides and an end of a top support, the first side edge can have a length of about a height from the top support to a ground plane and the second side edge can have a length of about a height from the top support to a ground plane. In certain circumstances, each of the top edge and the bottom edge can be between about 80 inches and 180 inches, between 90 inches and 160 inches, or between 100 inches and 140 inches, and each of the first side edge and the second side edge can be 50 inches and 120 inches, between 60 inches and 100 inches, or between 70 inches and 90 inches.

Referring to FIG. 6 , another embodiment of a privacy shield 100' can include top edge 70' having a length of about 2 times length Z, plus the length Y. Exemplary dimensions for Z and Y are given above. The length of the top edge can exceed the length of about 2 times length X, plus the length Y by 2 inches, 3 inches, 4 inches, 5 inches, 6 inches, 7 inches, 8 inches, 9 inches, 10 inches, 11 inches or 12 inches. The exceeded length can permit the attachment of the privacy shield to the body. Top edge 70' can have the same size, or substantially similar size to bottom edge 80'. Side edges 90' can have a length of up to X' plus Z, as the dimensions of Xʹ and Z are described above. Side edges 90' can exceed Xʹ plus Z by 2 inches, 3 inches, 4 inches, 5 inches, 6 inches, 7 inches, 8 inches, 9 inches, 10 inches, 11 inches or 12 inches. The exceeded length can permit the attachment of the privacy shield to form a top to the temporary private location. In this configuration, bottom edge 80' includes excess material that contacts the ground plane described above. In other words, the top edge 70' can have a length of approximately the sum of a length between two top supports and twice a height from a top support to a ground plane, and the first side edge can include a first portion having a length of one of the two top supports.

In another embodiment, referring to FIG. 8 , another embodiment of a privacy shield 100ʹʹ can include top edge 70ʹʹ having a length of about 2 times length Z, plus the length Y. Exemplary dimensions for Z and Y are given above. The length of the top edge can exceed the length of about 2 times length X, plus the length Y by 2 inches, 3 inches, 4 inches, 5 inches, 6 inches, 7 inches, 8 inches, 9 inches, 10 inches, 11 inches or 12 inches. The exceeded length can permit the attachment of the privacy shield to the body. Top edge 70" can have a different size from bottom edge 80". Side edges 90" can have a first section with a length of up to Xʹ and a second section with a length of Z, as the dimensions of Xʹ and Z are described above. Side edges 90" can exceed Xʹ plus Z by 2 inches, 3 inches, 4 inches, 5 inches, 6 inches, 7 inches, 8 inches, 9 inches, 10 inches, 11 inches or 12 inches. The exceeded length can permit the attachment of the privacy shield to form a top to the temporary private location. In this configuration, bottom edge 80" includes a panel with dimensions Z and Y such that the panel folds down to for the temporary private location as it extends to the ground plane.

The first side edge can further include a second portion having a length that is the height from the top support to a ground plane. In certain circumstances, each of the top edge and the bottom edge, independently, can be between about 120 inches and 320 inches, between 136 inches and 300 inches, or between 140 inches and 270 inches, and each of the first side edge and the second side edge can be 65 inches and 150 inches, between 70 inches and 130 inches, or between 80 inches and 120 inches.

The temporary securing of the privacy shield at its top edge can be achieved using a plurality of attachment points configured to temporarily secure the privacy shield to the top support. Similarly, each of the first side edge and the second side edge can include a plurality of attachment points configured to temporarily secure the privacy shield to a side support for the top support. The plurality of attachment points can include permanent magnets, snaps, hook and loop, or hook and eye fasteners. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5 , privacy shield 100 including top edge 70, bottom edge 80 and side edge 90 as described above in FIG. 3 . Along the top edge 70, attachment points 120 affix the privacy shield to the top support and side of the body (for example, a hatch back and vehicle side). The affixing is temporary. For example, the affixing can be magnetic or other fastener. The attachment points 120 can be located, for example, near each corner of privacy shield 100 along top edge 70. The attachment points 120 can be 1 inch, 2 inches, 3 inches, 4 inches, 5 inches, or 6 inches from the edge of top edge 70. Attachment points 120 can also be located near the length X from each corner. In certain circumstances, attachment points 120 can be located at a distance before and after the length X so that two attachment points 120 are spaced at a distance at each side of the length X. The distance can be 2 inches, 3 inches, 4 inches, 5 inches, 6 inches, 7 inches, 8 inches, 9 inches, 10 inches, 11 inches, or 12 inches. The spacing of the attachment points 120 around length X can be symmetrical or asymmetrical. The attachment points 120 secure to the privacy shield 100 to the top support with installed. In an alternative configuration, optional attachment points 140 can be located along side edges 90. The optional attachment points 140 can be a distance between top edge 70 and bottom edge 80, for example, 20%, 25%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, or 80% of the distance between top edge 70 and bottom edge 80. The optional attachment points 140 can be 1 inch, 2 inches, 3 inches, 4 inches, 5 inches, or 6 inches from the edge of side edge 90. Referring to FIG. 7 , privacy shield 100' including top edge 70', bottom edge 80' and side edges 90' as described above in FIG. 7 . Along the top edge 70', attachment points 120' affix the privacy shield to the top support and side of the body (for example, over open French doors of a van). Referring to FIG. 9 , privacy shield 100" including top edge 70", bottom edge 80" and side edges 90" as described above in FIG. 9 . Along the top edge 70", attachment points 120" affix the privacy shield to the top support and side of the body (for example, over open French doors of a van). In this configuration, side edges 90" fold back to touch at the corners of the temporary private location. The folded edges can secure to each other to make the temporary location more private. The securing can be by permanent magnets, snaps, hook and loop, zippers or hook and eye fasteners.

As discussed above, there is a need to provide a private and sanitary location to change a person. A private and sanitary location provided in the manner described here as an alternative to a public restroom can help avoid embarrassment for the person with a disability and for the caregiver who otherwise would have to change in a public restroom on the floor or in a bathroom stall that has limited privacy because it has doors and walls that do not begin until more than a foot off the ground. The systems described herein provide the needed privacy and a sanitary environment.

In certain circumstances, the attachment points can be magnetic material that can removably attach to a vehicle. The magnetic material can be a permanent magnet that can be directly attached to the privacy shield (for example, sewn or glued on or into the fabric or plastic). Alternatively a snap or eye hook on the shield can attach to a magnetic disk that can be used to removably attach to the vehicle.

In certain circumstances, there can be attachment points and optional attachment points in addition to those exemplified in FIGS. 4 and 5 . The attachment points and optional attachment points can be regularly or irregularly spaced.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the privacy shield 100 can include weighted zones 160 along the bottom half of the privacy shield. The weighted zones 160 can be located along bottom edge 80. The weighted zones 160 can be 1 inch, 2 inches, 3 inches, 4 inches, 5 inches, or 6 inches from the edge of bottom edge 80. The weighted zones 160 can be regularly or irregularly spaced. The weighted zones can be sewn or glued onto or into the privacy shield. The weighted zones can include metal weights or dowels that can be hemmed into the bottom to ensure the privacy shield does not blow around with wind.

The privacy shield 100 can be a sheet of material. The sheet of material can be a woven fabric such as nylon, cotton, canvas, or burlap. In certain circumstances, the sheet of material can be a plastic sheet. The privacy shield can be opaque. Other materials that could be used include synthetic materials, for example, synthetic water-resistent materials. The synthetic material can be a polymer such as polypropylene, polyethylene, or vinyl material that could be preferable in colder or rainier climates for the sheet of material. Lighter, more breathable materials could be used for warmer climates. Some variations of the privacy shield can include a screen material for small vents that can provide air circulation. The vents can include a flap on the inside that could be closed and can be made of a dark or dense screen material that can be opaque.

One key to other materials is that either they be heavy enough not to blow around or have weights at bottom to steady the privacy shield. The sheet of material can be made of panels. There can be triangular accordion sections between the panels to give the resulting space more flexibility.

In certain circumstances, the privacy shield can be is made of a heavier canvas material, magnets, and thread. There can be three sections of the canvas material. Magnets (roughly 5 cm. long, 1 cm. deep, and 2-3 cm. wide) attach the top edge and two side edges of the curtain to the vehicle. Four magnets can be hemmed into the top and two-three magnets hemmed into the top sides, for a total of eight magnets.

The privacy shield is deployed by unfolding the shield and securing the attachment points to the top support and a side support for the top support. For example, magnets attach to an open hatch back of a vehicle and the sides of the vehicle. The temporary private location that is created can give the user(s) a location to change, disrobe, or attend to personal hygiene for themselves or another in a private environment. The weight of the shield, optionally with weights, help the location maintain shape with wind. An example of the resulting temporary private location created by deploying the privacy shield is depicted in FIG. 10 .

The temporary private location is easily disassembled, for example, by removing the privacy shield from the three sides of the top support.

The privacy shield can be folded to ease storage, for example, in a bag or in a compartment in a vehicle.

Variations of the privacy shield can include one or more of the following modifications.

Velcro or other quick and easy mechanism (such as hooks and eyes) can be used to secure the privacy shield to the top support. Different methods of attachment could make the privacy shield even more versatile and able to be used on more vehicles. For example, attachment points can be created on inner surfaces of the top support or within the interior of the vehicle.

In certain circumstances, a separation can be introduced into the privacy shield. For example, a slit can be placed between one or both side panels and the middle panel such that a person can enter and exit without taking down the shield on one side. Separation at the seam could include something to hold them together (magnets, Velcro, or ties) so that the privacy is not diminished. Magnets can automatically attach the panels together.

In certain circumstances, triangular accordion panels can be placed between the side and middle panels to create more space.

In certain circumstances, the privacy shield can include three separate panels that can be joined together at the corner of the top support.

In certain circumstance, the privacy shield can include a pull string or other feature to make it even easier to unfurl and refold.

In certain circumstance, the privacy shield can include a design, for example, a sports team or school logos or mascots. The privacy shield can be personalized or monogrammed. The privacy shield can include designs like people looking out of windows.

In certain circumstances, the system can include a carrying bag or a strap that either ties or snaps together to hold the privacy shield together after rolled up.

All variations need to be consistent with the idea that this is not intended to be a long-term structure, but a very simple and temporary private area for changing or other personal needs.

Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. For example, one of skill in the art will understand that multiples of the described components may be used in stores and in various configurations. The present invention is therefore not to be limited to a single system, depicted in the Figures, as the system is simply illustrative of the features, teachings and principles of the invention. It should further be understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable privacy system comprising: a privacy shield having: a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge and a second side edge, wherein: the top edge having a length of about a length of approximately a sum of two sides and an end of a top support; the bottom edge having a length of about a length of approximately the sum of two sides and the end of the top support; the first side edge having a length of about a height from the top support to a ground plane; and the second side edge having a length of about the height from the top support to the ground plane.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the top support is a rear hatch of a vehicle.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the vehicle is a van, a minivan, or an SUV.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the top edge includes a plurality of attachment points configured to temporarily secure the privacy shield to the top support.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein each of the first side edge and the second side edge includes a plurality of attachment points configured to temporarily secure the privacy shield to a support for the top support.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the plurality of attachment points are permanent magnets.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the top support is a rear hatch of a vehicle and the support is a side of the vehicle.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the bottom edge includes a plurality of weighted regions.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the length of the top edge is between 100 inches and 140 inches.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the height from the top support to the ground plane is between 70 inches and 90 inches.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the top edge and the bottom edge is between about 100 inches and 140 inches, and each of the first side edge and the second side edge is between 70 inches and 90 inches.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the privacy shield is a fabric or plastic sheet.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the privacy shield includes triangular accordion panels.
 14. A portable privacy system comprising: a privacy shield having: a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge and a second side edge, wherein: the top edge has a length of approximately the sum of a length between two top supports and twice a height from a top support to a ground plane; and the first side edge includes a first portion having a length of one of the two top supports.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the first side edge further includes a second portion having a length that is the height from the top support to a ground plane.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the second portion is a side of a flap having a width of approximately the length between two top supports.
 17. The system of claim 14, wherein the top support is a top of a rear French door of a vehicle.
 18. The system of claim 14, wherein the top edge includes a plurality of attachment points configured to temporarily secure the privacy shield to the top support.
 19. The system of claim 14, wherein the length of the top edge is between 136 inches and 300 inches.
 20. The system of claim 14, wherein the first side edge is between 65 inches and 150 inches.
 21. A method of forming a temporary private location comprising: deploying a privacy shield having a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge and a second side edge on a top support to form the temporary private location.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the top edge has a length of about a length of approximately a sum of two sides and an end of the top support; the bottom edge has a length of about a length of approximately a sum of two sides and an end of the top support; the first side edge having a length of about a height from the top support to a ground plane; the second side edge having a length of about a height from the top support to a ground plane.
 23. The method of claim 21, wherein the top edge has a length of approximately the sum of a length between two top supports and twice a height from a top support to a ground plane; and the first side edge includes a first portion having a length of one of the two top supports.
 24. The method of claim 21, further comprising removing the privacy shield from the top support.
 25. The method of claim 21, further comprising temporarily securing the privacy shield to a side support for the top support.
 26. The method of claim 21, wherein the top support is a French door or rear hatch of a vehicle.
 27. The method of claim 25, wherein the vehicle is a minivan or an SUV. 